: Hip Hop
http://www.myspace.com/akir
Maybe, it was the first concert he saw (Run DMC and the Fat Boys) or the first album he owned (Public Enemy) that sparked his creative flame for hip-hop. But, the turmoil in his early surroundings and his struggles throughout life is what ignited the hunger to later develop the artist A.K.I.R.. The acronym and the promise to Always Keep It Real, gave him a name and a prophecy to live by. AKIR grew up throughout New York City, DC, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Atlanta, and Maryland, which is only partially responsible for his diversified sound and ability to switch it up. The harsh realities of becoming a black man in today's world would prove to be his main catalyst. They say that were endangered species/AKIR's thesis/is to survive 10 x's 10/not in a 10 by 10/10 times out of 10 /they got a plan for my hard rocks to have not/ have babies and start again...THIS IS YOUR LIFE.
AKIR first entered the hip-hop scene as an on-air personality with WNMH 97.9 (Mass.) from 1994 to 1996. In 1998, he ranked 2nd out of 50 in Howard University's Verbal Armageddon, MC competition. He then guest appeared on DJ Rsonist's (Heat Makers) first mix tape release and, later that year recorded and co-produced AKIR's debut, The Manhattan Project. In effort to unite area artists he helped conceive and develop the New Breed Compilation that same year. AKIR sought to improve his musical talent and began to focus on production. Collaborating with his brother and business partner Southpaw (formerly RayDogz of Daddy's House Recording Studios) he produced for Immortal Technique's, Revolutionary Vol.1. AKIR was now prepared to try another album project, the Street Edition Vol. 1 CD was well underway. AKIR released his first single Best Friend on DJ N'finit's mix CD The Blockbuster Vol. 1 (A One Enterprises Product). At the end of 2001, the project was added to, re-packaged and, distributed as Street Edition Vol. 1&2 helping One move over 12,000 copies through an extensive street team network. Akir is currently in the studio working on his album entitled "LEGACY" and has new cameos on various projects [Dugeous, Backwoodz Studioz, and Immortal Technique's (Revolutionary Vol.2)]. He recently received the honor of Source Magazine's Unsigned Hype (Jan/Feb 2005), XXL's Chairman's Choice (Oct. 2005) and, six domestic tours including the Van's Warped Tour 2004. He has performed with a variety of acts such as: Nas, Kool G. Rap, Mos Def, KRS-1, The Game, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Slum Village, Jean Grae, Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Brother Ali, Vast Aire, Vordul Mega and, Immortal Technique.
In addition to AKIR's vast exposure to varied East Coast flavors, his lyrical influences include: the finesse of SLICK RICK, the mellow vibe and consistent originality of Q-TIP, the smooth delivery and GQ style of BIG DADDY KANE, the complexity and poeticism of NAS, the rapid fire flow and intensity of KOOL G RAP and, the lyricism of RAKIM. Spittin sparks of light, to guide you through the flight." CAN'T TOUCH HIM". AKIR's vocals are, to say the least, persuasive, melodious, and addictive. His flow is compelling and vividly euphonic with lyrics that are a testament to hip-hop in its purest form.
By: MySpace.com
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